Guanahacabibes Peninsula is the westernmost point on the island of Cuba. It is located in Pinar del Río Province, within the municipality of Sandino, and has very few people living there. The ocean around the peninsula is an important area for catching spiny lobster and red snapper. The peninsula is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which listed it in 1987. The western end of the peninsula, called Cape San Antonio (Spanish: Cabo San Antonio), is the farthest west point of Cuba. This location is closer to the Pacific Ocean than to the easternmost point of the country, Cape Maisí.

Overview

Its position in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico puts it at risk for hurricanes. The area was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Conservation

Guanahacabibes National Park, located on the peninsula, is one of Cuba's largest natural reserves. It is separated from the rest of the island by white-sand plains, which include one of Cuba's largest lakeside areas. A small area within the park contains about 100 lakes and the largest and purest fields of silica sand, which is 99.8% pure. Nature tourism is a major attraction in the 398.26 km² (153.77 sq mi) park. The area is home to 172 bird species from 42 families, 11 of which are found only in this region, and 84 that migrate there seasonally. Experts believe that four of the seven types of marine turtles found worldwide live in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. The coastline includes protected coral reefs, with the northern shore bordered by the cays and isles of the western Colorados Archipelago. The southwestern plain has many karst structures, which limit the presence of surface water but allow seawater to enter. Bottlenose dolphins are also found in the surrounding waters.

The peninsula was a final refuge for indigenous people fleeing Spanish conquistadors. It also contains about 140 archaeological sites linked to the lives of the Guanahatabeyes, the indigenous people who lived there.